10 Years of So Energy: Ben's Story

Meet Ben, our Head of Solar and Storage. From a sustainability graduate scheme to leading solar at So Energy, Ben’s 10-year journey through the energy sector has been shaped by adaptability, growth and a passion for real impact. In this blog, he reflects on the lessons learned, the power of autonomy, and why putting customers and green innovation first is more important than ever. 

Ten years ago, I had just returned from a year in Australia, where I’d worked as a sports coach and boarding assistant at a school. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences with sunshine, adventure, no real responsibilities, and I came back with the usual mix of excitement and uncertainty about what came next. 

With a master’s in Sustainable Business under my belt, I knew I wanted to do something with impact, but I hadn’t mapped out exactly what that would look like. I was in my mid-20s, living with my now-wife in my grandparents' old house, doing what we wanted, when we wanted. It was amazing. Looking back now, with two lovely kids and a mortgage, my only regret is not travelling more while we had the freedom!  

Professionally, I didn’t have a clear vision of what the next decade would hold. I ended up landing a spot on EDF Energy’s Sustainability Graduate Scheme, which gave me the opportunity to explore different departments across the business and really sink my teeth into the energy sector.  

My first permanent role wasn’t a great fit and made me consider moving industries altogether. But EDF’s size allowed for movement, and I eventually transitioned into the Energy Solutions space, working on energy efficiency, EV chargers, solar, and more. That’s when things really clicked for me. I knew the world of solar was where I belonged.  

I’ve always been someone who’s driven by growth and progress.  I like to look ahead and ask, “What’s next?” and in that sense, joining So Energy four years ago was a turning point. I can honestly say I’ve learned more in these past four years than in the eight before them. The pace, the ownership, the impact; it’s all made me sharper, more confident, and more strategic in my approach. 

It’s genuinely exciting to work for a company that puts green energy at the centre of its mission. Leading a department where renewables are at the heart of everything we do feels like the culmination of years of learning, trial and refining my focus. One thing that’s become very clear to me is how crucial customer education is. It’s not just about what we offer; it’s about helping people understand why it matters and how it can benefit them. When customers truly get it, you can feel the conversation shift. They become advocates. They lean in. 

One of the best things about So Energy is the trust we’re given to deliver great work. If you’ve got an idea that aligns with our values and supports our customers, you’re empowered to run with it. That kind of autonomy and support is rare, and it’s made my work feel purposeful in a way I hadn’t experienced before. 

The past 10 years in the energy industry have been anything but static. We’ve seen energy crises, new waves of government legislation, and a global acceleration toward decarbonisation. Navigating all of that has required more than just technical skills, it’s demanded adaptability and resilience. There’s rarely a “perfect” playbook in this environment, and I’ve learned that it’s okay not to have all the answers. What matters is being able to stay informed, stay curious, and keep moving forward, even when the road ahead isn’t totally clear. That mindset has helped me grow not only as a professional but as a person – as a parent, a partner, and someone trying to make a meaningful impact in a changing world. 

A lot can change in 10 years, but So Energy’s commitment to innovation hasn’t. Looking ahead, I know the energy sector will continue to evolve, and I’m excited to be part of that evolution. 

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